Senior Healthcare Assistant

Are you an experienced healthcare assistant looking to take the next step in your career? Do you want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with life-limiting illnesses?Were looking for a compassionate and confident Senior Healthcare Assistant(Band 3) to join our dedicated team at St Peter & St James Hospice. In this vital and rewarding role, youll support the delivery of high-quality, individualisedpalliative care to patients and those important to them on our inpatient ward, working closely with registered nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team.Location: St Peter & St James Hospice, North Common Rd, North Chailey, Haywards Heath BN8 4EDWorking Hours: 34.5 hours per weekContract: Permanent, part-timeShifts: Flexible rota across Monday to Sunday, including nights and weekendsClosing Date: Early applications encouraged we will shortlist and interview as applications are received.Please find the full job description and person specification on thewebpage.This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is kind, proactive, and passionate about delivering outstanding palliative care. We offer a supportive working environment, ongoing training, and the chance to be part of a team that truly makes a difference.For informal enquiries, please contact our Ward Manager, Alice, at athomas@stpjhospice.org.Main duties of the jobWhat Youll Do:Assist in the delivery of individualised care plans under the supervision of Registered NursesProvide emotional and practical support to patients and those important to themPromote dignity, comfort, and respect in all aspects of careUndertake extended Healthcare Assistant roles, when assessed as competent, under supervision of a qualified practitionerSupervise and support Healthcare Assistants and act as a role model within the teamContribute to a safe, clean, and supportive environmentWhat Were Looking For:Evidence of level 2 Apprenticeship or Diploma in a Health-related subject such as Care CertificateExperience of working in a similar role as part of a multidisciplinary team in a healthcare settingExcellent communication and teamworking skillsConfidence to work independently and use initiativeCommitment to inclusive, compassionate care, respecting diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and needs in line with palliative care principles.Own transport is essential due to our rural locationDesirable (not essential):Flexibility to work a range of shifts, including nights and weekends, according to patient dependencyAbout usOur VisionA community where people live and die well according to what matters most to them. Everyone affected by life-limiting illness has access to our expertise.Our MissionProviding the right care, in the right place, at the right time, to everyone who needs us.Job responsibilitiesPatient Care and SupportWork collaboratively with Registered Nurses and Registered Nurse Associates to plan and deliver quality, holistic nursing care.Provide individualised, patient-centred personal care, responding appropriately to patient needs.Undertake clinical observations (e.g. temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respirations), identify and report abnormalities promptly to a Registered Nurse or senior team member.When working without direct supervision, ensure patient records are accurately maintained and promptly raise any concerns regarding changes in a patients condition.Support patients dietary and hydration needs, assist with meal choices, feeding, and liaise with ward volunteers regarding nutritional intake.Support safe use of mobility equipment e.g. walking frames and leg lifters, and assist patients with movement as needed.Offer emotional support to patients and their carers during admission, when conveying difficult news, throughout end-of-life care, at the time of death, and during bereavement, escalating to Registered Nurses as needed.Care for deceased patients according to Hospice policy, ensuring safe and timely handover to Funeral Directors.Extended Clinical Tasks (Senior HCA Duties beyond standard HCA role)Undertake extended Healthcare Assistant roles, when assessed as competent, under supervision of a qualified practitioner. Examples include:Taking observations and reporting findingsDrug checkingCatheter care, bowel care, bladder washouts, removal of cathetersPhlebotomy and blood glucose samplingSupport planning and updating of risk assessments and care plans under Registered Nurse supervision.Complete medication competency during induction and attend annual training.Supervision, Teaching, and Team SupportUnder Nurse in Charge direction, supervise and support Healthcare Assistants.Assist in induction, orientation, and teaching of students and Healthcare Assistants.Actively participate in multidisciplinary meetings to ensure a holistic presentation of a patient needs.Support team flexibility, including day and night shifts, according to patient dependency.Administration, Documentation, and CommunicationMaintain accurate and relevant patient records in SystmOne, documenting care delivery, referrals, and tasks, and promptly report any changes in patient health to a senior team member.Assist in admission and discharge processes, including completing paperwork, coordinating transport, preparing discharge packs, and supporting patient understanding of discharge instructions.Support referral processes and fast track applications, liaise with external services (e.g. district nurses, care homes), and maintain accurate communication records.Maintain effective communication with patients and those closest to them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.Assist with audits under the direction of Registered Nurses.Participate and contribute to Nutrition and Hydration, MDT and regular IPU team meetings.Health, Safety, and EnvironmentEnsure clinical areas are well maintained and comply with health and safety regulations.Ensure safe use and storage of equipment and materials.Person SpecificationPersonal QualitiesMotivation to develop knowledge and skills and to undertakeself-development.Ability to use your own initiative, prioritise workload and respond to changing situationsDemonstrates self-awareness and coping strategies when supporting patients and families through sensitive situations.Committed to inclusive, compassionate care, respecting diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and needs in line with palliative care principles.Access to own transport to get to and from hospice due to rural location.Flexible and reliable, able to work day and night shifts according to patient dependency.QualificationsEvidence of level 2 Apprenticeship or Diploma in a Health-related subject such as Care Certificate.Willingness to study for NVQ Level 2 or 3 and/or undertake further education in palliative care / attend study days.ExperienceExperience of working in a similar role as part of a multidisciplinary team in a healthcare setting.Understanding of the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other health service business and requirements of the Data Protection Act (2018) and General Data Protection Regulation (2018).Understanding of the Code of Conduct for Health Care SupportWorkers and Adult Social Care Workers in England.Knowledge and skillsConfidence in use of IT and able to demonstrate good literacy and numeracy skills.Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonalskills and good command of spoken English (assessed at interview).Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.£22,942 to £24,470 a yearBand 3 (£24,937 - £26,598 per annum FTE) #J-18808-Ljbffr